STEP:Mod Testing: Difference between revisions
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TechAngel85 (talk | contribs) (→Specifics: Fixed typo, replaced Defraggler with Auslogics as it's recommended everywhere else on the wiki, removed strike-through text; no reason to keep it) |
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If your computer is pre-built, for example, you bought an off the shelf computer under a brand (vendor) name such as HP or ACER, a program(s) is usually included that assists in vendor specific driver updates. If this is the case it is important to use this program(s), as many brand name off the shelf computers have drivers specifically designed for their hardware devices, rather than generic drivers. Consult the manual or the website for information on how to do this on your computer. | If your computer is pre-built, for example, you bought an off the shelf computer under a brand (vendor) name such as HP or ACER, a program(s) is usually included that assists in vendor specific driver updates. If this is the case it is important to use this program(s), as many brand name off the shelf computers have drivers specifically designed for their hardware devices, rather than generic drivers. Consult the manual or the website for information on how to do this on your computer. | ||
If your computer is custom made | If your computer is custom made, then there are several excellent programs to assist with this. A great tool is [http://www.driver-soft.com/ Driver Genius], which will download up to date list of drivers for almost all hardware devices, scan your computer with that list, and specify which need to be updated. The freeware version will do all of this. If you upgrade to the paid version, then the program will also download and install the drivers for you. | ||
'''Overclocking''' | '''Overclocking''' | ||
If you are currently overclocking your computer it is recommended setting everything to its default stock settings. This goes for the CPU, GPU, and RAM. Although the chances are low, it is possible for a new mod that is resource intensive to instigate stability issues, even if | If you are currently overclocking your computer it is recommended setting everything to its default stock settings. This goes for the CPU, GPU, and RAM. Although the chances are low, it is possible for a new mod that is resource intensive to instigate stability issues, even if your previous overclock settings were stable. CPU and RAM overclocks can be managed from your motherboard's [http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=1804&page=6 BIOS], and GPU overclocks are managed by a variety of programs. A recommended program for GPU overclock management is [http://event.msi.com/vga/afterburner/index.htm MSI Afterburner]. | ||
'''Ghosts in the Machine''' | '''Ghosts in the Machine''' | ||
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'''Disk Fragmentation''' | '''Disk Fragmentation''' | ||
On hard disk drive (HDD), over time files that are regularly used by the computer will fragment, increasing read times and potentially causing stability issues. It is good practice to make sure the computers drives are defragmented before testing a mod. It is a good idea to defrag your computer after installing a new mod, especially with large mods such as texture overhauls. A recommended program is [http://www. | On hard disk drive (HDD), over time files that are regularly used by the computer will fragment, increasing read times and potentially causing stability issues. It is good practice to make sure the computers drives are defragmented before testing a mod. It is a good idea to defrag your computer after installing a new mod, especially with large mods such as texture overhauls. A recommended program is [http://www.auslogics.com/en/software/disk-defrag/ Auslogics Disk Defrag], which allows full drive defragmenting or specific file and folder defragmenting. | ||
If you use a solid state drive (SSD), please disregard the defragmentation advice detailed above. Defragmenting a SSD offers no benefit and will significantly decrease the life span of the drive. | If you use a solid state drive (SSD), please disregard the defragmentation advice detailed above. Defragmenting a SSD offers no benefit and will significantly decrease the life span of the drive. | ||
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'''TESV.exe Properties''' | '''TESV.exe Properties''' | ||
These settings will ensure that when Skyrim runs, Windows Aero Theme will be disabled, freeing up VRAM, since Aero may use between [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Aero 64 to 128MB] of VRAM. To access these settings navigate to your skyrim folder, right click on TESV.exe, and then click on the Compatibility tab. Tick the Disable Visual Themes and Disable Desktop Composition boxes, as shown in the image below. | These settings will ensure that when Skyrim runs, Windows Aero Theme will be disabled, freeing up VRAM, since Aero may use between [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Aero 64 to 128MB] of VRAM. To access these settings navigate to your skyrim folder, right click on TESV.exe, and then click on the Compatibility tab. Tick the Disable Visual Themes and Disable Desktop Composition boxes, as shown in the image below. This only applies to Windows Vista or later. | ||
[[File:Recommended Settings.png|250px|thumb:'''Figure 1.''' TESV.exe Properties Settings]] | [[File:Recommended Settings.png|250px|thumb:'''Figure 1.''' TESV.exe Properties Settings]] |
Revision as of 07:26, January 16, 2013
Template:Warning Template:Notice Mod Testing for S.T.E.P. -- by the S.T.E.P. Team and Wiki Editors
- Updated: 7:26:26 16 January 2013 (UTC)